Reciprocal Impact of Family and Business for Internally Displaced Female Entrepreneurs

Abstract

This study fills research gaps by illustrating the reciprocal impact family and business have on each other with respect to internally displaced (IDP) women entrepreneurs. The study refers to the reciprocal determinism component of social learning theory (SLT), which enriches understanding of this cyclical relationship and its ensuing impact. To this end, a qualitative comparative design is applied using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with fifteen IDP Palestinian female entrepreneurs in city and refugee camp locales in the Ramallah area of Palestine. The results indicate both positive and negative influences, with instances of both family support and family discouragement, as well as instances of the business both benefitting and hindering the family. IDP female entrepreneurs’ dedication to both their families and their businesses is evident. Paradoxical influences of patriarchy illustrate both obstacles and privilege. While evidence of social class discrimination emerges as a potentially strong influence, further research is required to investigate the extent of this phenomenon between IDPs and non-IDPs, as well as among IDPs themselves. Collectively, patriarchal and social class paradoxes lead to an extension upon of Bhaskar’s notion of transfactuality while demonstrating the strength of reciprocal determinism in facilitating enriched understanding of a wide range of phenomena.